chaos.

I'm getting REALLY confused with some guitar chords and fingerpicking tabs.

It's like in some books the chord of D is shown with string 6 not played and in other books its string 5 and 6 that are not played so why is that still called D when they are clearly different chords?!

I undestand that there's maj, min, seventh, diminished etc yadda but its really confusing and stressing me out!

Also could ANYONE desifer this fingerpicking tab and tell me whats going on here?:

e:| ------------------3------------ ||
b:| ---1--1--1---1---0-0-----1--1-1 ||
g:|• --0--0--2-2-0-0-0---0---2--0--•||
d:|• -2--2--3---2---0-----0-3--2--0•||
a:| 3------------------------------ ||
e:| ------------------------------- ||


I need some lessons don't I?

*Sonic*

The reason it is like that with string 5 & 6 not played is that the 'root' note is D from String 3

string 5 is A, so forms part of the D chord, but it isnt the root note, and is just a variation of the D chord

If you use drop D tuning on the String 6 you can play all 6 strings for the D chord, sounding very nice indeed

There are lots and lots of variations on chords and positions where they are played, they all give a slightly different sound, but they are the same chord, as the notes are the same

In terms of the finger picking you strike A on the 3rd fret, then D on the 2nd fret, and pluck g (open string) and B 1st fret together (hope that makes sense)

chaos.

I appreciate your input but its all japanese

What is the recommended way to get to grips with these 'fundamentals'?

wilb

There are many different ways of playing the same note. This is why you will see the same chord written in different ways. Just find one that suits you.

On the tab you need to start looking at the left and follow it across to the right. The number resembles the fret that you need to hold the string down on. You play one string at the time. It's like a timeline.

I tought myself, I wouldn't bother with lessons.

Are your fingers hurting?

chaos.

indeed they are, great fun popping the blisters thanks

speed demoness

I found a great application on my phone the other week... its a sony ericsson w810i... you probably already know your basic chords... but this application actually shows you all the variants... ie major/minor/7/g7 etc.

my 15 year old daughter is the expert in this house with guitars.. i'll pick her brains later.. or maybe tomorrow now, as she's in work tonight and wont be home til lateish on.

*Sonic*

15 year old in work

have we gone back in times

Sorry Chaos, I thought you would have had some basic understanding of the guitar with regards to chords etc

speed demoness

yeah sonic... she works for Dominos... which is great... coz I don't have to give her spends anymore... and she fetches home free pizza !!!!

*Sonic*

LOL, good call then